Retailers are Handling Tariff Refunds in Very Different Ways: Walmart and Home Depot

Home Depot (HD) reported fiscal Q2 results with 1.7% same-store sales growth and 5.1% adjusted EPS growth. Management expects flat to 2% comps growth for the year, citing high interest rates as a factor in delayed home projects. The company's large market share and dividend yield of 2.9% were highlighted as positives.

The DOJ expanded its beef price investigation to include major retailers: Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize, Costco, and Amazon. The probe, initially focused on the 'Big Four' meatpackers, now scrutinizes retail-level price increases. The DOJ seeks information on recent beef price hikes, citing it as a critical concern for Americans.

The DOJ is investigating Walmart, Amazon, and six other major grocery retailers regarding beef prices, citing inflation as a key concern. The probe follows a prior antitrust investigation into meatpackers and Trump administration efforts to lower beef costs, including tariff adjustments and import policies. Retailers and the DOJ declined to comment. Beef prices are influenced by factors like reduced cattle supply and high production costs.

The US Department of Justice has expanded its anti-trust probe into beef prices to include eight major retailers, such as Walmart and Costco, according to a DoJ post on X. The investigation, which began in May with four large meatpackers, now examines retailers' beef pricing strategies, profit margins, and purchasing arrangements since 2020. The DoJ seeks records and briefings from the companies to assess trends in beef prices, a critical concern for the American public.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating eight major retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon, over beef pricing strategies. The probe, expanded from an earlier investigation into meatpackers, seeks details on pricing, costs, and wholesale arrangements. Tyson Foods previously settled a lawsuit for $82.5 million over beef price allegations, according to Reuters.

Mortgage rates hit a 1-year high at 6.71%, driven by Treasury bond sell-offs and rising yields. Lowe's (LOW) cut its 2026 sales and margin forecasts, citing macro pressures. Home Depot (HD) reaffirmed its outlook but noted housing market pressures. Both companies' stocks could benefit from lower interest rates.